Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is ready for 90 minutes, says Maresca

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer is finally ready to play a full game after months of injury woes, manager Enzo Maresca said on Wednesday, as his side prepare to take on high-flying Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

Palmer has been limited to partial appearances due to a groin injury and a broken toe, but Maresca believes the playmaker has completed his comeback journey in a careful lapse of minutes.

«I think he (Palmer) is ready for 90 minutes. The progression for a player is 45 (minutes), one hour, 70…» Maresca told reporters ahead of Saturday’s home match against Villa.

«Against Everton he already played an hour. Against Newcastle he played more than seventy minutes, so I think the progress is there.»

The Italian welcomes two more players from the treatment room, with striker Liam Delap recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered earlier this month and winger Estevao returning from a muscle problem that has kept him out of the last two games.

«(Estevao is) back; he’s available for Saturday. Him, and also Liam Delap… So I’m very happy for both of them.»

Sideline ban for Maresca

Maresca himself will be in the stands after receiving a touchline ban with his third yellow card of the season. The Italian had already served one suspension in October when he was sent off against Liverpool.

«Yes, in almost a hundred games I have been suspended three times. Once for partying and twice for yellow cards,» he said.

“So yeah, unfortunately I’ll be in the stands, but Willy (Caballero) is there, Danny (Walker) is there, and the coaching staff is there.” Maresca also reserved praise for Reece James, who has grown in influence after shaking off injury problems from recent seasons, with the captain playing a key role in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United where he converted a free-kick.

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“He is growing in terms of leadership and he is playing more and more minutes. This is why we are happy, because he can be fit and healthy. We know he can be a leader here,” Maresca said.

«He is one of the most important players for many reasons. He comes from our house, a youth academy player. He is the captain. When he is fit he is undoubtedly one of the best players we have.»

High-flying villa

Chelsea face a tough test against third-placed Villa, who are seven points ahead of the fourth-placed London team, which could prove crucial to any lingering title ambitions.

Maresca acknowledged the challenge of Unai Emery’s side, who have built impressive momentum with ten consecutive wins in all competitions.

«They’re doing great this season. They did well last season,» Maresca said.

«It is very clear what they do, the way they want to play. They are also full of confidence at the moment. That is very important in a football team.»

Published on December 24, 2025